A recent incident at Phuket International Airport led to a chaotic scene when a passenger on an AirAsia flight made a bomb threat joke, prompting an immediate emergency response. The event unfolded on May 23, 2025, as the aircraft was preparing for takeoff.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 3:50 PM, 62-year-old Thanawut Wichaidit reportedly told a flight attendant, “Watch out for the bomb in the bag,” while boarding AirAsia flight FD3092, which was scheduled to fly from Phuket to Don Mueang in Bangkok. The aircraft was taxiing when the comment was made, leading the captain to alert ground staff.
- The plane was ordered to return to Parking Bay 39.
- All 200 passengers were evacuated for safety checks.
Response from Authorities
Police Colonel Salan Santisasanakul, the superintendent of Saku Police Station, confirmed that the pilot had reported the incident to air traffic control, requesting the aircraft be isolated. Phuket Airport activated its incident response plan, adhering to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
- A 100-meter perimeter was established around the aircraft.
- Bomb disposal officers from the Royal Thai Army conducted a thorough sweep of the plane, luggage, cargo, and mail.
Passengers and crew were screened and relocated to a waiting area while the investigation was underway.
Outcome of the Investigation
Phuket Airport officials confirmed that all passengers’ belongings were accounted for, and no explosives or suspicious items were discovered. During the tense situation, Thai AirAsia provided food and drinks to those affected, while the Royal Thai Army assisted with officers and drinking water.
The emergency operation center was stood down at 7:21 PM after the all-clear was given. However, Thanawut Wichaidit was arrested and is now facing prosecution for making a false bomb threat, a serious offense under Thai law.
- Police Colonel Salan emphasized the seriousness of such careless remarks, stating, “This kind of careless comment endangers public safety and disrupts airport operations. We will prosecute offenders to the fullest extent.”
Impact on Passengers
Following the incident, passengers were rebooked on alternate flights. Both Phuket Airport and AirAsia reiterated their commitment to maintaining strict security measures and responding swiftly to any potential threats.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible communication, especially in sensitive environments like airports, where safety is paramount.